SECONDS AWAY TO MONIVEA IN JUNIOR CUP
BUCCANEERS SECONDS Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior Cup fixture away to Monivea last Sunday fell victim to the harsh weather. Buccs were assured twice on the morning that the pitch was playable before travelling west. However, referee Mark Fitzgerald’s inspection prior to kick-off did not concur with that belief, as he felt that in the icy conditions an area behind one of the goals was unsafe. So frustration for the Athlone side who had travelled through dense fog to arrive at a sun-drenched Castle Grounds!
This cup tie has now been rescheduled to take place on Sunday next in Monivea. Buccs were drawn at home for this opening round fixture and also for the next round should they advance. But, because the Pirates did not field in this competition last season, they were penalised with two away fixtures when they next participated in this Cup.
Both teams are competing in Division 1B in the Connacht League this season. The Athlone club topped the leaderboard at the festive break while the east Galway side is struggling this term. However, Monivea must not be underestimated, particularly on their own pitch which is likely to be heavy following the near incessant rain of the past weeks. But Buccs have the potential to progress provided they are focussed and better organised than their recent loss at home to Sligo.
